7 Top Tips to Naturally Maintain Ceramides

Ceramides are fats (or lipids) that are found in skin cells. Read on to find out our top 7 tips to naturally maintain ceramides.

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Ceramides are fats (or lipids) that are found in skin cells. They make up roughly 50% of your outer skin layer (your epidermis). Ceramides help keep skin hydrated and protect it from external aggressors like pollution and the weather. They occur naturally and are sometimes known as fatty acids. The sebaceous glands create them and they are vital for healthy skin composition. Read on to find out our top 7 tips to naturally maintain ceramides.

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Why Are Ceramides Important?

Ceramides are important because they strengthen the skin barrier and prevent excess moisture loss. This helps to minimise the signs of ageing and replenish dry skin. These crucial lipids help maintain a solid foundation for the overall health of your skin. Your skin barrier is your skin’s first line of defence and it provides a natural shield from the environment. Ceramides also help to keep skin supple.

Naturally Maintain Ceramides

From our mid-twenties, our natural ceramide levels start to drop as part of the natural ageing process. This can lead to our skin barrier becoming compromised and skin can become irritated. Some signs the skin barrier is damaged include:

Redness
Flaky, dry skin
Itchiness
Breakouts
Skin infections
Flare-ups of problems like rosacea and eczema

7 top tips for naturally maintaining ceramides

The good news is there are ways to replenish ceramides to keep your skin acting, and looking, like younger skin. Here are our top tips.

1. Focus on ceramide rich foods

Foods that are rich in ceramides include eggs, brown rice, wheat, sweet potatoes, avocado and corn. Include as many as possible in your diet to boost ceramide production from within.

2. Stay hydrated

Without ceramides, water is easily lost from the skin’s surface which can lead to cracks and discomfort. Keep skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You should be aiming for at least 2.7 litres per day, and this should be adjusted based on gender and activity level.

3. Avoid over cleansing

The use of aggressive cleansers and over-exfoliation can strip away precious ceramides. Be sure to use gentle cleansers and never over cleanse. This can disrupt the skin’s delicate balance and exacerbate skin issues.

4. Protect skin barrier

Your skin barrier protects your body from free radicals so it is important to maintain its health. Always wear SPF after moisturising, even when it’s cloudy. This helps to keep water in and pollutants out.

5. Manage stress

Stress can have a negative influence on your skin’s health. When the mind or body become stressed, the brain secretes hormones and the release of cortisol. This is not good for the skin. Practise relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation – and do gentle exercise like yoga.

6. Prioritise sleep

We all know the importance of a good night’s sleep. Sleep in a dark room that is cool enough to get solid sleep. Don’t start scrolling near bedtime and aim to go to bed – and get up – at the same time every day.

7. Use ceramide-boosting ingredients

Although skin is made up of natural ceramides, these fatty acids are lost over time so you can supplement your skin with extra ceramides. To maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, look for products that contain ceramide-boosting ingredients. Your product selection will depend on your skin type. Creams (for dry skin), serums (for oily skin) and cleansers are popular ceramide-rich products. Ingredients to look for include: Niacinamide, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil and shea butter.